Katri Aarnio is a Researcher at the Environmental and Marine Biology department, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University. Her work focuses on marine ecology , particularly invasive species , food web dynamics , and trophic niche plasticity . Research Themes : Trophic Position, Non-indigenous Species, Food Web Structure Key Systems : Baltic Sea, Coastal Ecosystems Her recent publications analyze round goby invasions, stable isotope ratios in marine consumers, and environmental drivers of benthic community dynamics. Collaborations include researchers like Emma Bonsdorff and Mats Nordström. Scientific contributions span ecological monitoring , habitat disturbance , and trait-based food web analysis . She has co-authored datasets on macrofaunal communities and algal epifauna .
Dr. Alexander Little serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology within McMaster University's Faculty of Science. His research bridges molecular mechanisms with ecological consequences across diverse animal systems. His primary research domains include: Animal physiological ecology and environmental stress responses Thyroid hormone signaling in thermal adaptation Epigenetic regulation of developmental plasticity Metabolic and cardiovascular adaptations in ectotherms Ecotoxicological impacts of environmental contaminants Over the past decade, his publication record demonstrates consistent focus on how environmental variation shapes physiological performance through molecular pathways. His work frequently examines thyroid hormone-mediated mechanisms linking environmental cues to epigenetic changes, particularly in thermal acclimation contexts. Recent articles highlight emerging concerns about climate change impacts on ectotherm physiology, with specific attention to sex-specific vulnerabilities and recovery dynamics following environmental stressors. Dr. Little actively contributes to academic training through courses including Environmental Physiology (BIOLOGY 728), Animal Physiology - Regulatory Systems (BIOLOGY 3UU3), and Cell Physiology (BIOLOGY 3P03).
Professor Craig Radford at the University of Auckland's Faculty of Science specializes in Marine Science with a focus on sensory systems and underwater soundscapes. Holding a PhD from Auckland , MSc from Canterbury , and BSc from Waikato , his research examines sensory physiology in fish and crustaceans, vocal communication mechanisms, and anthropogenic sound impacts. Current teaching includes Marine 702 Techniques in Marine Science and BioSci 334 - The Biology of Marine Organisms Postgraduate supervision topics span lateral line function, multisensory processing, ontogenetic hearing changes, and ecoacoustic indices His work on passive acoustic monitoring (149+ outputs) reveals trends in marine bioacoustics, particularly in shark hearing physiology , crustacean sound detection , and anthropogenic noise mitigation . Key collaborations exist with marine technologists and statisticians for developing machine learning boat classification systems and ecoacoustic biodiversity metrics. Research extends to auditory evoked potential thresholds across elasmobranchs, shark sleep electrophysiology , and global soundscape synthesis projects. Current projects include analyzing recreational boat noise impacts in Hauraki Gulf and investigating directional hearing mechanisms in sharks using advanced bioimaging techniques.
Joshua Lord is an Associate Professor of Biology at Moravian University, where he has been teaching since Fall 2017. He previously served as a postdoctoral fellow at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) and as a Visiting Assistant Professor at Bates College. His research focuses on marine ecology, particularly examining how environmental conditions affect species interactions and biological communities, with special emphasis on invertebrate behavior. B.A. in Biology (magna cum laude) with Honors, Colby College M.S. in Marine Biology, University of Oregon Ph.D. in Oceanography, University of Connecticut Dr. Lord's research spans marine ecology, invertebrate zoology, climate change impacts, invasive species dynamics, and predator-prey interactions. He has pioneered work on social hierarchies in marine invertebrates and unique antipredator behaviors in shrimp, particularly the grass shrimp Palaemon pugio . His laboratory investigates how changing environmental conditions, especially ocean acidification, affect animal behavior and species interactions in marine ecosystems. Analysis of Dr. Lord's publication record reveals a strong focus on marine behavioral ecology with particular attention to how climate change factors like ocean acidification disrupt chemical signaling and predator-prey relationships. His work spans from molecular to ecosystem levels, with significant contributions to understanding social hierarchies in marine invertebrates, impacts of invasive species, and temperature effects on marine communities. The research shows an evolution from basic ecological studies toward more applied climate change research, particularly examining how acidification affects sensory capabilities and behavior in marine organisms. Dr. Lord has served as a review panelist for the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program and as Chief Scientist for multiple MBARI research expeditions. He regularly presents at major scientific conferences including the Benthic Ecology Meeting and Western Society of Naturalists meeting, and has given invited talks at institutions including the Darling Marine Center, Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, and Monterey Bay Aquarium. Dr. Lord created the iBARGE (invasive bryozoan and ascidian recruitment and growth experiment) citizen science program in 2014, which engaged over 30 schools across 5 countries in monitoring invasive marine species. His laboratory at Moravian University provides extensive research opportunities for undergraduate students, with numerous students conducting independent research, honors theses, and participating in the SOAR program. Current research projects include studies on shrimp antipredator behavior, hierarchy formation in marine invertebrates, ocean acidification effects on behavior, and deep-sea coral feeding. Dr. Lord leads annual field marine ecology courses to Jamaica at the Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory, providing students with hands-on research experience in tropical marine environments. These immersive experiences allow students to conduct original research on coral reefs, mangroves, and other marine habitats while learning about Jamaican culture and history.
Sabrina Pacor is an Associate Professor in Applied Biology (BIO/13) at the University of Trieste , where she teaches Pharmacology in the Pharmacy LM and STB BSc programs. With over 30 years of research experience in experimental oncology and host defense peptides, she has made significant contributions to studying antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and their interactions with bacterial membranes. Her research focuses on: Direct antimicrobial activity of AMPs against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria Indirect immunomodulatory effects of host defense peptides Development of drug delivery systems using nanomaterials (carbon nanotubes, gold nanoparticles) Mechanistic studies of ruthenium-based antimetastatic drugs She leads extensive cytofluorimetry research using flow cytometry platforms, particularly for evaluating: Cytotoxicity (necrosis/apoptosis, proliferation index) Modulation of host biological responses (chemotaxis, phagocytosis, ROS production) Peptide-bacterial membrane interactions through fluorescent labeling Her recent work demonstrates trends in: Proline-rich antimicrobial peptides against ESKAPE pathogens Hybrid antibiotic design (peptide-aminoglycoside conjugates) Structure-activity relationships in membranolytic peptides Evolutionary insights into defensin and cathelicidin families Prof. Pacor has co-authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications and actively mentors students, having supervised: 70 experimental/thesis reviews for Pharmacy/CTF Master's students 20 Bachelor's degree theses
Daniela Pessani serves as a Contract Professor at the Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology at the University of Turin, where she specializes in marine biology with particular focus on crustaceans, especially decapods and hermit crabs. Her research spans diverse marine and freshwater ecosystems, with significant contributions to Mediterranean Sea studies. Her research interests encompass marine biology with emphasis on hard substrate environments in meso- and infralittoral zones; Posidonia seagrass biocenoses; reproduction, development, and distribution of Decapod Crustaceans; ethology of hermit crabs; meroplankton studies; and the biology and ecology of native river shrimp. Dr. Pessani's work integrates field observations with laboratory analysis to understand behavioral adaptations and ecological relationships. Analysis of her publication record from 1998-2017 reveals consistent research themes in marine invertebrate ecology, particularly crustacean biology. Her work demonstrates expertise across multiple methodologies including taxonomic identification, behavioral observation, acoustic analysis, and environmental monitoring. The research shows strong regional focus on Mediterranean ecosystems while also including international collaborations examining penguin bioacoustics and tsunami-affected coastal areas in Southeast Asia. Dr. Pessani has maintained an active research profile with publications spanning marine ecology, taxonomy, bioacoustics, and conservation biology. Her collaborative work demonstrates engagement with interdisciplinary teams across multiple institutions. Dr. Pessani's laboratory work includes detailed behavioral observations of marine organisms, particularly hermit crabs, with studies on chromatic patterns, shell selection behavior, and communication mechanisms. Her field research encompasses biodiversity assessments in Mediterranean coastal zones and freshwater ecosystems in Piedmont.
Jan Sundberg is a Professor of Electrical Engineering at Uppsala University, specializing in ecological aspects within the Department of Electrical Engineering at The Ångström Laboratory. His research spans two distinct but equally significant fields: wave energy technology and marine renewable energy systems, and earlier work in avian ecology focusing on yellowhammers. His research interests center on the intersection of electrical engineering and environmental science, with particular focus on wave energy conversion systems, ecological impact assessment of marine renewable energy installations, and underwater acoustic monitoring techniques. Sundberg has made significant contributions to understanding how wave energy converters interact with marine ecosystems, including fish behavior, marine mammal responses, and benthic community development around energy infrastructure. Analysis of Sundberg's publication record reveals a clear evolution of research focus. Beginning with ornithological studies in the 1990s examining yellowhammer mating behaviors and plumage coloration, his work transitioned toward renewable energy research in the early 2000s. Since 2005, his publications have predominantly focused on wave energy technology, with particular emphasis on environmental monitoring using sonar systems, ecological impacts of marine energy installations, and operational characteristics of wave energy converters. His most recent work (2020-2023) demonstrates sophisticated approaches to monitoring marine life interactions with renewable energy infrastructure using advanced sonar technologies. Sundberg has been actively involved with the Lysekil Research Site in Sweden, a key facility for wave energy research where he has contributed to numerous studies examining noise emissions, ecological impacts, and operational characteristics of wave energy converters. His work often involves interdisciplinary collaboration with marine biologists, environmental scientists, and engineering specialists.
Prof. Damian Octavio Elias is a Professor in the Department of Environmental Science, Policy, & Management at UC Berkeley. His research focuses on neuroethology, behavioral ecology, and evolutionary biology of arthropods, particularly spiders. He leads the Elias Lab, investigating sensory physiology, communication mechanisms, and biophysical constraints on animal behavior. His work integrates field studies, lab experiments, and biomechanical modeling to understand complex signaling systems. Research Interests: Substrate-borne vibrational communication in spiders Thermal ecology and climate change impacts on ectotherms Multimodal courtship displays and sexual selection Sensory adaptation and signal evolution Current Projects: Climate change effects on desert-dwelling spider behavior Evolutionary origins of peacock spider displays Human noise pollution impacts on arthropod communication Lab Facilities: Laser vibrometry for vibration analysis, field equipment for thermal ecology studies, and behavioral observation suites. Collaborations include work with the University of Western Ontario and the University of Colorado, Boulder.
Farzan Nadim is a Professor and Chair of Biological Sciences at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). His research focuses on how neuronal circuits in the central nervous system generate behavior and are modulated by chemicals like dopamine and serotonin. He leads a lab combining experimental studies in invertebrates with computational modeling to explore neural oscillations, neuromodulation, and cerebellar interactions with dopaminergic systems. Nadim earned his Ph.D. in Mathematics from Boston University (1994) and an M.A. from the same institution (1989). Education: Ph.D., Mathematics, Boston University, 1994 M.A., Boston University, 1989 Research Interests: Nadim investigates the mechanisms underlying rhythmic motor behaviors, particularly how neuromodulators like dopamine and serotonin alter circuit outputs. His recent work explores cerebellar contributions to motor coordination and addiction. The lab employs electrophysiological recordings, computational models, and mathematical analysis to dissect network dynamics and neuromodulatory effects. Advising & Grants: No specific student advisees or grant details are listed in the provided text. His research is supported by collaborative projects, including studies on cerebellar-basal ganglia interactions and neuromodulation in crustacean networks. Labs/Teams: Nadim heads a research group at NJIT focusing on systems neurobiology and computational neuroscience. The lab integrates experimental and theoretical approaches to understand neural circuit function and dysfunction.
Dr. Paul A. Moore is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Bowling Green State University's College of Arts and Sciences. He directs the Laboratory for Sensory Ecology, a multi-disciplinary research group investigating how organisms acquire and respond to environmental information, primarily through chemical senses in crustaceans. His research spans physics, sensory biology, ecology, and behavior, with collaborations extending to Woods Hole, Stony Brook, Berkeley, Milwaukee, and the Bahamas. Moore's research interests center on chemical ecology and behavior of aquatic organisms, particularly focusing on sensory behavior, evolution, physiology, and ecology. His work examines how chemical signals influence ecological roles, including predator avoidance, habitat and mate selection, dominance hierarchies, and other social behaviors. The laboratory employs a truly multi-disciplinary approach, combining techniques from physics to chemistry to psychology, utilizing equipment designed for laboratory, field, and oceanic work. His recent publications demonstrate consistent research output across chemical ecology, predator-prey interactions, ecotoxicology, and hydrodynamics. The work shows a progression from fundamental studies of odor plume dynamics to applied research examining anthropogenic impacts on aquatic organisms. His research connects physical aspects of chemical signal transmission with behavioral and ecological consequences, creating a comprehensive framework for understanding chemical communication in natural environments. Chemical Orientation Strategies influenced by hydrodynamics Landscapes of fear and safety in predator-prey interactions Neurobiological mechanisms of chemical sensing Ecotoxicological impacts of pollutants on behavior Hydrodynamics of odor plumes in natural environments Orientation and homing behaviors in aquatic organisms Moore has mentored numerous graduate students through successful completion of their degrees, with many becoming faculty members at other institutions. His advising philosophy emphasizes independent thinking, creativity, and hard work, with structured timelines for both Master's and PhD students. The Laboratory for Sensory Ecology maintains a complex aquatic research system requiring regular upkeep by all lab members, reflecting the collaborative nature of the research environment.
Dr. Sonja Zimmermann is a Senior Researcher at the Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen , specializing in Aquatic Ecology . With over 20 years of experience in research and teaching, her work focuses on the environmental behavior, bioaccumulation, and toxicological effects of pollutants—particularly platinum group elements (PGEs: platinum, palladium, rhodium) from automotive catalysts—in aquatic ecosystems. She combines field studies, laboratory toxicity tests, and biomarker assays to investigate metal exposure and effects in organisms like zebra mussels, fish, and parasites. Research Areas : Ecotoxicology, Environmental Chemistry, Parasitology, Metal Toxicity, Aquatic Pollution, and Environmental Monitoring. Projects : Principal investigator in the German-South African Cooperation project PGEAquaTox . Her publications span over 40 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, emphasizing PGEs' ecological impacts and innovative monitoring tools like artificial mussels. She serves as a reviewer for 20+ journals and teaches in the International Master's Program in Environmental Toxicology and Bachelor's Program in Biology , covering lectures, seminars, and practical courses.
Jose Prenda Marin is a Professor at the Faculty of Experimental Sciences , Universidad de Huelva , specializing in Zoology within the Department of Integrated Sciences . His research focuses on freshwater biodiversity, conservation biology, and human-environment interactions in Mediterranean ecosystems. Education: PhD in Zoology from Universidad de Sevilla (1993), thesis on habitat use by aquatic animals in southern Spain with emphasis on biotic interactions Research Interests: Explore patterns in freshwater fish biodiversity, impacts of invasive species, otter ecology, and citizen science applications in bird monitoring. His work spans Mediterranean river basins, coastal lagoons, and urbanized habitats. Research Contributions: Analyzes ecological status through fish-based indices, studies habitat connectivity, and documents historical fish distributions for conservation recovery. His recent work emphasizes citizen science validation for bird monitoring across the Iberian Peninsula. Collaboration: Leads the RNM324 BIRDLAND research group focusing on agrarian and humanized environments, and contributes to the Centro de Investigación en Recursos Naturales Salud y Medio Ambiente (Natural Resources Research Center).
Kana Banno is a PhD Research Fellow at the Department of Biological Sciences Ålesund, Faculty of Natural Sciences at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). Her research focuses on salmon aquaculture, with particular emphasis on fish behavior and welfare in commercial sea cages. She utilizes advanced technologies including underwater cameras, ROVs, echosounders, and sonars for aquaculture monitoring. Banno earned her PhD in Biology from NTNU in 2025, following an MSc in Biology with a focus on aquaculture and genetics from UiT The Arctic University of Norway in 2019. Her educational background includes: PhD in Biology, NTNU (2025) MSc in Biology (Aquaculture & Genetics), UiT The Arctic University of Norway (2019) Banno's research interests center around understanding fish behavior as an indicator of welfare and health in aquaculture settings. She investigates how environmental factors affect the distribution and behavior of Atlantic salmon in commercial sea cages. Her work bridges biology and engineering through the integration of technology for monitoring purposes. She has particular expertise in using computer vision and artificial intelligence to identify growth-stunted salmon and monitor wild fish interactions around aquaculture sites. Her research contributes to developing more sustainable and welfare-conscious aquaculture practices. Analysis of her publication record reveals a strong focus on technological applications in aquaculture monitoring, with particular emphasis on computer vision, sonar technology, and multi-sensor integration. Her work spans both practical applications for the aquaculture industry and fundamental research on fish behavior. The publications show a progression from molecular genetics (her master's work on salmon lice) to more applied technological solutions for monitoring fish welfare in commercial settings. Her notable achievements include: Featured in 'Women in aquaculture' series by The Fish Site (2021) Research on AI for wild fish monitoring highlighted by Norwegian SciTech News (2021) Banno teaches BIA3003 Introduction to scientific method (2024 Autumn) and has been actively involved in the InnoSEA project (Innovations for Sustainable sEabased Aquaculture). Her fieldwork involves regular visits to salmon farms approximately 1.5 hours from her base, where she monitors salmon behavior using underwater cameras and remotely operated vehicles. She collaborates extensively with researchers from multiple countries including Argentina, China, Germany, Japan, and Norway. She maintains strong connections with the aquaculture industry, having previously worked at FRD Japan, a land-based RAS facility producing rainbow trout, where she gained practical experience in fish farming operations before transitioning to research.
Bengt Erik Höglund is an Adjunct Professor at the Department of Natural Sciences, University of Agder. He holds a PhD from Uppsala University (2001) and has extensive postdoctoral experience (2001-2007) followed by a senior researcher role at the Technical University of Denmark (2007-2014). His research focuses on behavior neuroendocrinology in fish and crustaceans, emphasizing stress physiology, coping styles, and aquaculture welfare. He has coordinated courses in human physiology at UiA since 2005 and supervised four PhD students (2011, 2013) and two master’s students (1999, 2011). His recent work explores chronic stress impacts on fish neuroendocrine profiles, environmental acidification effects, and cardiac morphological development in salmon. Key themes include stress resilience, environmental signaling, and behavioral adaptations to anthropogenic changes. Collaborative projects involve hydropower impacts, predator cue responses, and aquaculture system dynamics. Notable contributions include studies on depression-like profiles in salmon, hydrogen sulphide dynamics in recirculating systems, and neuroendocrine indicators of allostatic load. He has participated in interdisciplinary initiatives like the Blekeprosjektet (2014–2017) and projects on hydropower-induced behavioral selection in salmon.
Anna Sobek is a Professor at the Department of Environmental Science , Stockholm University . Her career spans academia, industry, and policy, with significant contributions to environmental chemistry and contaminant dynamics. PhD research on PCB uptake in aquatic systems (2000) Marie Curie postdoc on herbicide-black carbon sorption (2006-2009) Environmental manager role (2009-2011) 4-year researcher position (2011) leading to permanent role (2018) Research focuses on organic contaminant behavior in aquatic environments, particularly: Contaminant distribution and risk assessment Organic carbon cycle interactions Passive sampling techniques Climate change impacts on pollutant fate Hadal trench contamination Mixture toxicity mechanisms Recent publications (2023-2019) analyze: PCB/PAH dynamics in extreme marine environments Climate-legislation interactions Microbial degradation variability Pharmaceutical pollution patterns Bioaccumulation potential across chlorinated paraffins Ecotoxicological assessment frameworks Key methodological approaches: Passive dosing systems Chemical activity concepts Flume experiments RNA metabarcoding Biogeochemical modelling Policy-impact analysis
